About Us
A Church Rooted in Faith, Growing in Community
At Palm West Community Church, we believe church is more than a place -it’s a people. We’re a Christ-centered, Bible-teaching congregation located in the heart of a vibrant 55+ retirement community in Sun City West, Arizona. Our mission is to help people grow deeper in faith, stronger in fellowship, and more confident in living out the Gospel.
Whether you’re new to the area or looking for a church that feels like home, we invite you to experience a community marked by grace, encouragement, and spiritual growth.
Meet Our Pastors & Staff
Our ministry is led by a passionate, approachable team who are committed to shepherding, teaching, and caring for the church family. Each team member brings unique strengths to help create an environment where people feel known, valued, and spiritually equipped.
James Powell
Read Pastor Jim's Bio
James Powell, affectionately known as “Jim” or “Pastor Jim,” has been serving as the Senior Pastor of Palm West since February 2019. Before this, Jim began his ministry at Denver Christian Church in Illinois and later served as the Lead Pastor at Richwoods Christian Church in Peoria, Illinois, for 21 years. He holds a Master’s Degree in Theology and Philosophy from Lincoln Christian Theological Seminary and an undergraduate degree from Quincy University.
Jim was married to his beloved wife, Stephanie, for 35 years before her passing in September 2024. He is the proud father of two sons: Timothy, a student at Grand Canyon University, and Trevor, who attends Northern Arizona University and serves in the National Guard.
Outside of his ministry, Jim is an avid sports fan with a passion for collecting sports cards and memorabilia. He is also a competitive pickleball player and a certified Pickleball Coach, offering lessons in his spare time. Jim enjoys spending time outdoors, particularly hiking and enjoying water activities.
Associate Pastor – Pastoral Care
Read Pastor Brian's Bio
Brian Thomas joined the Palm West Pastoral Staff in early November of 2019 as the Associate Pastor for Pastoral Care. Brian is married to Cindy, and they have an adult daughter, Emma, and a teenage son, Luke. Brian has served in a number of ministry roles through the years and is thrilled to now work alongside our Palm West church family.
When not in the office, Brian can be found spending time with his family or exploring and trail-running the amazing back-country that Arizona has to offer.
Read Pastor Jeff's Bio
Jeff Chariker joined the Palm West staff in November of 2024. He has served in ministry for over 30 years in various roles although his primary niche has been music ministry. Jeff has a Renaissance approach to life and loves to dabble in a variety of disciplines (music, graphic design, teaching, etc.) but his greatest desire is to help equip the saints for ministry. He is overjoyed with this new chapter of ministry at Palm West.
Jeff is married to Samantha (Sam) and they have two adult twin sons (Caleb and Seth). They are the loves of his life… well, them and of course, chocolate!
Jeff’s hobbies include woodworking, tinkering, and music related “stuff”.
Read Joyce's Bio
Joyce Sopilnick has served Palm West as Church Administrator since May of 2015. Joyce is from Long Island, New York and has lived in Arizona since 1999. She is married to her high school sweetheart; Richard and they have two daughters and six grandchildren. She enjoys walking, cooking and entertaining.
Read Jan's Bio
Jan Orrick Kliever began her ministry at Palm West on August 26, 2007. Jan was married to Rev. Ken Kliever, former Associate Pastor at Palm West who passed in 2021. Jan received her B.A. in classical education with a secondary emphasis in piano performance from University of Northern Colorado. She went on to Bob Jones University where she earned a specialized diploma in evangelistic (sacred) piano. Jan has taught piano for over 50 years. Jan has a sweet servant’s spirit, recognizing in her early years that Go d had blessed her with a special gift. Jan accepted Jesus as her Lord and Savior when she was 11 years old and states, “I have always felt the Lord gave me the talent, then asked me to give it back to Him as a ministry.”
Read Peg's Bio
Peg Rideout serves as the Connections Coordinator for Palm West. She and her husband, Tim Kurtz, arrived in Sun City West in 2021 after visiting Peg’s mom several times here and deciding it was a great place to live once they retired. Peg and Tim have four adult children and six grandchildren who reside in Indiana and North Carolina. Peg’s background is in education and she’s enjoyed serving in the local church for most of her adult life.
Besides traveling to see family and exploring the country, Peg enjoys reading, playing cards, puzzles, golf, bocce, Pilates, and getting to know people.
What We Believe & OUR AFFILIATION
At Palm West Community Church, our beliefs are rooted in Scripture and centered on Jesus Christ. We are a community of faith committed to truth, grace, and the transforming power of the Gospel.
Our Affiliation
We are affiliated with Aspire Network, a movement of mission-empowering churches that envisions every pastor growing, every church healthy, and every community transformed for Christ. Aspire Network is dedicated to building a strong association of churches committed to biblical authority and who join together as partners to accomplish God’s mission of transforming unbelievers through a personal encounter with Jesus Christ.
Aspire Network is a member of the National Association of Evangelicals (NAE), founded in 1942, and is also a member of the Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability (ECFA), which is committed to helping Christ-centered organizations earn the public’s trust through developing and maintaining standards of accountability that convey God-honoring ethical principles.
Our Affiliation
We are affiliated with Aspire Network, a movement of mission-empowering churches that envisions every pastor growing, every church healthy, and every community transformed for Christ. Aspire Network is dedicated to building a strong association of churches committed to biblical authority and who join together as partners to accomplish God’s mission of transforming unbelievers through a personal encounter with Jesus Christ.
Aspire Network is a member of the National Association of Evangelicals (NAE), founded in 1942, and is also a member of the Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability (ECFA), which is committed to helping Christ-centered organizations earn the public’s trust through developing and maintaining standards of accountability that convey God-honoring ethical principles.
Our Core Beliefs:
The Trinity
We believe in one God, eternally existent in three persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
(Deuteronomy 6:4; Matthew 28:19; John 1:1–18)
Jesus Christ
We believe in Jesus Christ, God’s only Son, truly God and truly man, born of the Virgin Mary, crucified for our sins, raised from the dead for our salvation, who will return to complete God’s loving purpose.
(Hebrews 1:1–3; 4:14–15; John 1:1–3, 14)
The Scriptures
We believe the Bible is the inspired Word of God, the faithful and sufficient witness to God’s work, and the supreme authority for Christian faith and life.
(Deuteronomy 4:1–2; 2 Timothy 3:16–17; 2 Peter 1:20–21)
The Gospel
We believe in the Gospel—the Good News that God has not left us alone in our sin and weakness but has come in love through His Son to offer us reconciliation and complete forgiveness.
(Acts 1:8; Galatians 3:26–28; James 2:8)
Creation
We believe that God is the Creator of the heavens and the earth. Humanity is no accident but was created according to the purpose, plan, and pleasure of God.
(Genesis 1; Colossians 1:15–17)
Salvation
We believe that God offers forgiveness of sin and justification through faith in Jesus Christ. This is a gift of God’s grace, apart from our works, and is to be received. By accepting Jesus, we can have peace with God and the confidence of eternal life with Him.
(John 3:16; Romans 5:1–2; Ephesians 2:8–9)
The Church
We believe that the Church is the body of Christ, called by God to be His people. We are to live a life of obedience, freedom, and love as we proclaim the hope of the Gospel to all people.
(Romans 10:9–10; 1 Corinthians 11:23–26; Hebrews 10:23–25)
The Return of Christ
We believe that Jesus will return visibly, at which time He will raise the dead and judge all people. Believers will enjoy eternal fellowship with God as they participate in the fullness of His eternal reign, while unbelievers will face separation from God.
(Matthew 24:29–31; 1 Thessalonians 4:14–18; Revelation 20:4–15)
Baptism
We believe that baptism is an act of obedience for an individual who has received the forgiveness and love of Christ. Baptism symbolizes our death to self and our intention to live a new life in following Jesus. It is not optional and should be done by immersion, which is the biblical practice.
(Matthew 28:19; Acts 2:38)
Human Sexuality
We believe God’s creational intent for our sexuality is good and that there are two appropriate lifestyles that express God’s intention: fidelity in marriage between a man and woman, and chastity in singleness. Any restriction God places on the expression of human sexuality is to protect us and to reflect His glory in and through our lives.
(Genesis 2:24; Deuteronomy 10:13; 1 Corinthians 7:7)
Location & Service Times
Each of our weekend worship services offers a unique blend of meaningful teaching and heartfelt worship. Whether you prefer traditional hymns or a modern style, there’s a place for you here.
Our Location:
Service Times
Modern Worship: Saturday @ 4:00 PM
Traditional Worship: Sunday @ 9:00 AM & 10:30 AM
**Online streaming available during Sunday service
Stay Connected
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